"I originally decided to do a PhD as my final year project in my MEng could be extended into a full research PhD quite easily. "
PhD Software Engineering: Self-adaptive Micro-services &
MEng Computer Science with Software Engineering
Why did you originally apply to do your chosen course at Birmingham?
I originally decided to do a PhD as my final year project in my MEng could be extended into a full research PhD quite easily. I was also given the opportunity to be funded by the University which seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up as I didn't believe I would get on any easier if I went into industry first and then on to a PhD. I originally applied to Birmingham to do my MEng as it was in the Top 10 computer science schools in the UK at the time, and it has proven to be a good reason as the School's ranking has only gone up since I have been here.
What were the best points of your course at the University?
I think the continuous improvement of the courses which occurs every year as a result of students' feedback is the best point about the MEng course. Also, the variety of module options that increases as the years go by makes it very easy to touch on as many topics as possible over the span of 3-4 years.
What is the best thing about studying at the University of Birmingham?
Supportive, friendly lecturers and course mates make the university experience truly a very rich one.
What's your highlight of your time at University?
I think the final year of my undergraduate course was exceptional. The amount of support I received in that year made me exploit my potential and be able to publish a paper in a conference and represent the School at the conference.
What advice would you give to students thinking about studying on the course?
Ask the questions that you think are too trivial (especially when it comes to technical jargon). There's nothing worse than studying with your friends the day before an exam and panicking as you realise you all don't understand a concept but you were all too shy to ask for a whole year.